Dog Bed Basics

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Domesticated dogs, much like humans, like to be pampered and comfortable. A dog bed is just a dog bed before you get one. Your dog will likely take to it like a fish to water. A ‘cuddly’ cushion makes a good dog bed. It extends the sides to form a protective ring and simulates the feeling of sleeping in a pack. This gives your dog the added psychological comfort for a good sleep.

It is a great idea to buy a dog bed. There are certain benefits that a dog bed provides. It gives your dog a comfortable sleep zone, in the same way a mattress does for a human. The ideal dog bed raises the dog above the ground, provides warmth and supports the joints of the dog. A whole range of dog beds is available. From expensive sofas that heat and cool as required to simple foam filled cushions, there is a dog bed for every dog and every level of spending. Some dog beds are filled with chips of cedar. These discourage the growth of fleas. Fabric that is machine washable makes washing easier.

Plastic, rattan and wicker are used in the making of dog beds. Rattan and wicker dog beds are constructed as low profile round or oval baskets fitted with a custom-made cushion. Plastic is often used in the same manner to make beds. Care should be taken however to see that it is chew resistant and without sharp edges. Stainless steel is used in beds that are more expensive. This is easy to clean.

Beds should use fabric that is resistant to chewing and easily washable. Some beds use foam or polyester fiber as filling. Though these are comfortable, they do not stop the laying of flea eggs. Dog beds that act against egg laying fleas have an outer zippered covering of cedar chips. These are less comfortable than other types of beds, but more functional.

Some dog beds offer the option of heating and cooling. They do this through a heated or frozen gel pad fitted within the cushion. This is not a good idea for canines that have the habit of chewing furniture. Some dog beds heat in the manner of an electric blanket that is placed on top of the bed and under the dog. These warmers are necessary for some dogs, particularly ones with joint issues.

A dogs sleeping environment should duplicate its natural sleeping habitat. The bed’s size should be proportionate to the dog. It should be large enough but not overly large. It should make the dog feel natural and unthreatened. For those who want the perfect custom-made bed for their dog or want one cheaper than would otherwise be available, the option of making a custom dog bed is always available. Here is one way to make such a bed.

You will need a string, pillow cover or tee shirt and plastic grocery bags. Choose designs that look best to your eye. Fill up the pillow cover with the grocery bags and sew it up. You can do this with the t-shirt as well. Optionally sew a zipper onto the pillow cover or t-shirt and periodically fill it with plastic bags, as you like.

A good dog bed can provide all the rest your dog needs to remain healthy and happy. A healthy and happy dog means more fun-filled hours for you with your dog. In short, a good dog bed is a small price to pay for what you get in return.

Renske Buursma
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-bed-basics-133096.html

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how do i get my dogs to stop shredding their blankets and beds?

Monday, February 8th, 2010

when i’m gone to work during the day my dogs are outside in the yard. they have a giant shed that is pretty much all theirs. i have dog beds and comforters for them to snuggle up in and it’s quite cozy. the problem? they shred everything after a day or two. as much as i would love to be able to buy them new beds every two days, it’s just not in the ole budget. i don’t want to spray bitter apple or anything like that on the beds if it’s gonna make them not want to lay on them anymore and it probably wouldn’t deter them from shredding them anyway. and i give them each one or two rawhides every day so it’s not for lack of chew stuff. when they come inside they don’t shred our furniture or blankets so what gives?

well i have two pitbulls and they do the same thing chew all of there beds and blankets. What we did was make sure that there is alot of toys and other things to chew on instead of blankets and beds well i hope you find an answer..

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You Need To Buy A Dog Bed

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

By observing your pet, you will have a better idea of what product to look for as his daily comfortable resting place. Dog beds today come in all sizes, colors, shapes, materials and to suit any pooch and any decor. If that’s not enough you can even have dog beds custom made. The bed will give your pet somewhere to feel secure and safe.

How Do you choose the Right Dog Bed?

Watch your dogs behavior. Does he like to stay warm under the blankets? Does he avoid the bed because he needs to cool off? Does he sprawl and stretch out completely? Answering these questions will help you choose the right bed for your dog.

You should also consider the size of your room and size of the bed needed for the comfort of your dog. If he’s relaxed and fully stretched out, measure his length and add about five inches to get the best fit.

A good canine bed provides protection and a cozy warm place to sleep for a hound that spends most of his time outside. Beds with sides are great for dogs that like to hang their head over the edge. Cushions and support should be considered for older dogs, as well as pooches with other joint or bone problems.

Dog Bed Features and Benefits

Picking the right dog bed will help with allergies and also expidite cleaning up. It provides you with a single spot where the majority of your dogs shedding and/or dander is contained. Choose a style with a machine washable cover that can easily be thrown in the washing machine when dirty or soiled to make sure the bed is easy to clean. Some beds are also specifically treated to eliminate mold, fungus, or other outdoor hazards which may affect your pooch.

Most are stuffed with polyfill, often have cedar chips to repel odors and their covers are removable and machine washable. Make sure the sides aren’t too high or there is a lower opening so that your hound won’t have to jump to get in and out.

There are any number of styles of dog bed, such as indoor or outdoor, heated or not, travel or car beds and orthopedic beds for the older canine. Select one that fits your dog’s needs and lifestyle. As your dog gets older you’ll need to consider his needs. Just imagine Grandma climbing into a waterbed with a two-foot frame? Or better yet, imagine her trying to get out! There is a wide selection of dog beds available for the older dog.

At the other end of the scale you might need to consider a a chew proof bed, especially for puppies! Providing your pooch with a high quality bed of his own does far more for for your pet than you’d expect. Make sure it fits and suits your dog and he will be a happy pet for years to come.

Stephen Dolan
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/you-need-to-buy-a-dog-bed-123056.html

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